Herrod: Foundational Principles Won the Day in National Elections

By Cathi Herrod, PresidentCenter for Arizona PolicyOn Tuesday the people spoke. In election after election, the American people voted in favor of foundational principles – the values we hold dear. While our ultimate hope only is in the Lord, may your hope in the electoral process and the values of the American people be restored.Check out these election results from Tuesday:HOUSTON: Remember the Houston 5? The five pastors who had their sermons subpoenaed when they voiced opposition to Houston’s so-called “Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO)?” The voters in Houston stood with those pastors in voting down the ordinance 61% to 39%. The ordinance would have amended city law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.Throughout the country, it’s these ordinances that are being used to deny religious freedom to people like Washington state florist Barronelle Stutzman, or Colorado cake baker Jack Phillips. It’s also these ordinances that allow men who want to identify as women to use female locker room and bathroom facilities.The Houston voters sent a clear message that the people support religious freedom and don’t want men in women’s restrooms.Today, in our state, the cities of Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa are considering similar ordinances. Proponents of these laws are also pushing for a similar statewide measure. Let’s hope the Houston vote sends a clear message to Arizona leaders that when the people speak, this is the result.OHIO: The Ohio people spoke loud and clear in defeating 64-36% a $20 million dollar effort to legalize recreational marijuana across the state. Next year, Arizonans most likely will vote on a similar measure to legalize retail marijuana here. Citizens are watching Colorado and seeing the devastating effects of what happens when retail marijuana is legal.KENTUCKY: The people spoke in Kentucky by electing Matt Bevin Governor. Bevin united fiscal and social conservatives with his stands against Obamacare and in favor of life and religious freedom. Bevin’s opponent was endorsed by Planned Parenthood.GLENDALE: Voters spoke in on our state in Glendale by recalling current Councilman Gary Sherwood, electing in his place Ray Malnar. Sherwood had flip-flopped his position on the Glendale Casino (from opposing the casino to supporting it). He has also been the leader of the Glendale effort to add a sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination ordinance – the same ordinance defeated by Houston voters.Take time to read Ryan Anderson’s take on what the election results say about social conservatives. Or for an interesting perspective from a left-leaning publication, read the Atlantic: Are Liberals Losing the Culture War?Be encouraged. Reclaim hope. Be grateful for pastors that led. Be grateful for voters who clearly stood in defense of foundational principles and values.May the 2015 election results forecast the people speaking loud and clear in the 2016 election cycle!

 ICYMI – Latest News and Articles of Interest

• Planned Parenthood funding in Arizona. Governor Doug Ducey removed Planned Parenthood from the charitable campaign through which state employees can donate to charities. This continues the longstanding public policy in Arizona that supports life, not abortion.
• Speak with Your Tax Dollars: Once again our friends at Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, Christian Family Care, and Crisis Pregnancy Centers have prepared this short video to inform and equip citizens about how to participate in the Arizona state tax credits that benefit children in need and various other charitable needs. We encourage you to share this video! The complete list of qualifying charities and school tuition organizations is available here.
• Intern with CAP. If you’re a college student looking for front line public policy experience, apply for a CAP internship. The upcoming spring semester will focus on the 2016 legislative session and 2016 election season plans – one of the more interesting and valuable times to serve with our team.